US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly rejected French President Emmanuel Macron Palestine Plan recent proposal to unilaterally recognise the State of Palestine in a sharp diplomatic rebuke. Rubio called the move “reckless” and warned it would not promote peace but would instead encourage Hamas propaganda and undermine efforts at long-term stability in the Middle East.
βThis reckless decision only emboldens Hamasβ propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7, 2023,β Rubio said, referring to deadly attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians last year. He argued that granting symbolic recognition to one sideβwithout any serious security guarantees or commitment to peaceβsends the wrong message to terrorists.
Macron Palestine Plan is gaining popularity in parts of Europe where there is deep sympathy for the Palestinian cause, especially after the Gaza conflict has reignited the global debate over Israel’s occupation, settlements and humanitarian concerns. However, the U.S. position is clear: Recognition should only come through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestiniansβnot through a unilateral decision by a third party.
Critics of Macron Palestine Plan proposal fear it could legitimize Hamas as a political stakeholder, even if it resorts to violent tactics and refuses to recognize Israel. They argue that premature recognition without reforms or accountability could embolden extremist elements, derail a fragile peace process and escalate tensions across the region.
Supporters of Macron Palestine Plan claim it is necessary to break a decades-long deadlock and put pressure on Israel to return to the negotiating table. But Washington believes that peace cannot be imposed from outside and must involve mutual compromise and confidence-building measures.
As geopolitical divisions deepen over Palestine, the Biden administration is standing firmly with Israel while also warning allies against actions that could endanger regional security.
